In a recent appearance on “The Daily Show,” former President Bill Clinton chastised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urged President Donald Trump to seek diplomatic solutions to the Israel-Iran conflict. The “outright constant killing of civilians” in the conflict was denounced by the former president. Netanyahu has “no intention” of granting Palestinians a state, according to Clinton. G7 leaders affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and called for de-escalation in a joint statement.
Clinton Questions Netanyahu’s Commitment to Peace
During his appearance on “The Daily Show,” former President Bill Clinton didn’t mince words when discussing the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Clinton urged President Donald Trump to take decisive diplomatic action to prevent further hostilities in the Middle East. His comments highlighted concerns about the direction of U.S. foreign policy and Israel’s approach under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. Clinton specifically questioned whether either leader was genuinely interested in working toward a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Clinton expressed particular concern about what he described as the “outright constant killing of civilians” in the conflict. His criticism comes at a time when international pressure is mounting on both Israeli and Iranian leadership to exercise restraint. The former president’s comments reflect growing bipartisan concern about the humanitarian impact of continued military actions in the region and the potential for a wider conflict that could draw in the United States and other regional powers.
That’s what a democrat would do: Give Iran the green light to continue sponsoring terrorist organizations and making nuclear weapons.
https://t.co/WkeoNqj8cs— Conservative (@DineenRisk) June 18, 2025
Trump’s Response and G7 Position
President Trump’s response to the crisis has been complex and sometimes contradictory. While attending the G7 summit, Trump left early as Israel launched attacks against Iran, telling reporters, “I have to be back as soon as I can. I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand this is big stuff.” His abrupt departure underscored the seriousness with which the administration views the escalating conflict. Though initially hesitant, Trump eventually supported a joint G7 statement calling for de-escalation in the region.
The G7 leaders’ statement affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense while emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian lives. It also underscored the international consensus that Iran should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. This position aligns with Trump’s previous diplomatic efforts, as his envoys had met with Iranian representatives multiple times before the recent escalation in hostilities. The statement reflects the delicate balance that world leaders are trying to strike between supporting Israel’s security concerns and preventing a broader regional conflict.
#BillClinton urges #Trump #GOP (#GangOfPutin) to defuse situation between @Israel and #Iran https://t.co/feUlnSZrYi
— Bill Elliott (@ABQPI) June 18, 2025
Congressional Efforts to Limit War Powers
As tensions continue to rise, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has introduced legislation requiring President Trump to seek congressional authorization before taking military action against Iran. The bill invokes the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which was designed to limit presidential powers to engage in military hostilities without congressional approval. This move adds pressure on the administration from antiwar advocates across both major political parties who are concerned about potential U.S. involvement in another Middle Eastern conflict.
The legislation aims to send a clear message to both the Trump administration and Israeli leadership that U.S. military support cannot be taken for granted without proper congressional oversight. This isn’t the first time such measures have been proposed; Trump previously vetoed a similar resolution led by Kaine in 2020 that sought to limit his authority to strike Iran. The current bill is viewed by its supporters as a de-escalatory measure, intended to reinforce the constitutional principle that only Congress has the power to declare war.
The situation has become increasingly complex as Israel continues military operations against Iran, with Israeli officials claiming their strikes are preemptive measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, meanwhile, characterizes the conflict as unprovoked aggression. This fundamental disagreement on the nature of the conflict makes diplomatic solutions more challenging but also more necessary than ever to prevent further escalation in a region already plagued by decades of instability.